Britannia Wood tour announced
Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, is showcasing the Woodland Trust's seven-hectare (16-acre) Trafalgar site Britannia Wood with a rare public tour and access to its grounds later this year.
The college sits in a stunning location overlooking Dartmouth and is surrounded by superb parkland.
But on August 18, visitors will get a unique chance to view the site and some of the trees recently planted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Britannia Wood is one of 33 woods - one commemorating every ship of the line in Nelson's fleet - around the UK planted with the help of The Woodland Trust. During the day visitors will also get the opportunity to view new English oak trees - not only named after each ship but planted out to follow Nelson’s two battle columns - as well as the walled orchards and the 35 plantings in the Royal Plot.
College staff say great care was taken in selecting the area to be converted to natural woodland within the grounds to preserve important parts of the landscape deemed to be an integral part of the views of the main college building from the nearby town and river.
A college spokesman outlined the tour and added: "Having cleared security we will start with the Walled Orchard to the left of the main gate - this feature is unique among the Trafalgar 200 woods.
"Starting to climb uphill we walk past the two ‘battle lines’ of traditional English oak, through the new groves of beech, birch and lime. At the top of the grounds, almost 300ft above river level, we are able to get a rare glimpse of the back of Hardy Block – the first Aston Webb building to be opened here. Originally a hospital, it is still in use today for accommodation and naval stores.
"Moving towards the sports area of the College we drop back downhill to the Royal Plot, where in 1939 the King and the Queen accompanied by two very young princesses planted the first four, of what is now 35, Royal trees. Although we do not enter any of the buildings, we cannot let you go without stopping at the Flagstaff to admire the beautiful façade of Aston Webb’s main building opened in 1905 and by coincidence the centenary of Trafalgar.
"Turning towards the main gate, we walk down the ‘enemy line’ of the Spanish and French fleet, which is about to be breached by the two British lines led by Lord Nelson in HMS Victory and Lord Collingwood in Royal Sovereign. If you think I’m joking – you will have to come and see for yourself!
"No need to dress up for this occasion, in fact the more dressed down - the better! Come prepared for British weather – warm clothes, wellies and brollies are recommended, just in case of course!"
Admission is by ticket only. They are available from Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre on 01803 834224.
For more details please click on www.brnc.co.uk/en/BritanniaWood.aspx
